Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Yes, they’ve been in the workshop for well over 20, maybe almost 30 years. Remember playing through them when taking my Mk 1 in for Pete to fettle back in the 1990s.
So sad to hear about Rupert Hine passing away. He was around at the genesis of Wal basses and an old chum of Pete and Ian.
Sad news, I first heard of Rupert Hine from his work as a producer with The Fixx on their early albums.
Last edited:
I've been sitting here trying to think of how I could convey Wal's current standard neck shape. All four of the Paul Wals I've had have the same rear shape, its a very round and if its a V, then it's very mild. And I thought laying a piece of paper at the 1st fret spot may show the shape. Doesn't look at all like a difficult V to me.
Last edited:
I just took a chance on the standard profile and wouldn’t have it any other way. The “V” kind of hits me right in the crux of my hand, where the thumb meets the hand. I figured Wal knows best so give me the “Wal” profile, not some 60s Fender blah blah blah.
Neato!! Ya I have a couple Wals with a harder V profile than the typical standard soft V profile. Doing Mike's trick, you could be able to see the difference. it seems with gloss/poly finishes, it's harder to read the depth of the v-profile
These are the three Wals i own with the med v profile
Hi,
Has anyone on here ever bought a USED Wal from the U.K. and had it shipped to the U.S.?
Just looking for some information on what's involved, in terms of best practices for a transaction like that, logistics, rough estimate of shipping/insurance costs, as well as import tariffs......?
Thanks!
Has anyone on here ever bought a USED Wal from the U.K. and had it shipped to the U.S.?
Just looking for some information on what's involved, in terms of best practices for a transaction like that, logistics, rough estimate of shipping/insurance costs, as well as import tariffs......?
Thanks!
Chef
In Memoriam
I came very close a couple of times from the UK and currently have one to be shipped to the US from Germany.
In general, shipping w/ insurance is going to be on the order of $300+ USD
Import duty will be 5% of the declared value, which is collected upon delivery. From US CBP: "Personal check in the exact amount, drawn on a U.S. bank, made payable to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. You must present identification, such as a passport or U.S. driver's license. CBP does not accept checks bearing second-party endorsement." (Customs Duty Information | U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
The HTS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) code is important. An in incorrect classification can result in a different rate.
Electric Bass guitars should be 9207.90.0040 (fretted) or 9207.90.0080 (fretless). Both are 5% rates (see Harmonized Tariff Schedule Search).
As far as logistics, use whatever payment service that makes you feel comfortable. Marketplaces like eBay and Reverb provide coverage in case the seller doesn't hold up their end. If it's from a reputable business, you might take the risk, otherwise, an escrow service should be considered.
Finally, I would insist on a hard case to make the journey. The Hiscox STD-EBS is a great option and what Wal provides with the new basses.
Beyond that, finding one, cutting the check, and then the anticipation is the most painful part.
Last edited:
Chef
In Memoriam
Redbird hit it right on the head. The Customs value cost will of course depend on what he seller puts as a sale price on the document. And make sure the seller makes a receipt/invoice and put it on the box, otherwise Customs will phone you asking for it.
My experience, definitely pay attention to the harmonized tariff code they attach and bill you for. As Redbird pointed out it should be 5% as it falls under electric instrument. Customs tagged one of my Wals as 8% (or 8.7%) under the acoustic guitar heading, and when the bass cost $7k, that was a difference from 350 to 609! I didn't realize the different harmony code til 6 months later when the next Wal arrived and the fee was cheaper.
One other pitfall: your State may be one that charges a Use Tax after the bass arrives, just like if you had bough it from a local store. Luckily WA doesn't, but I know a fellow Wal'er in MA does. So you might want to look into that so you're not too surprised to get a bill in the mail.
My experience, definitely pay attention to the harmonized tariff code they attach and bill you for. As Redbird pointed out it should be 5% as it falls under electric instrument. Customs tagged one of my Wals as 8% (or 8.7%) under the acoustic guitar heading, and when the bass cost $7k, that was a difference from 350 to 609! I didn't realize the different harmony code til 6 months later when the next Wal arrived and the fee was cheaper.
One other pitfall: your State may be one that charges a Use Tax after the bass arrives, just like if you had bough it from a local store. Luckily WA doesn't, but I know a fellow Wal'er in MA does. So you might want to look into that so you're not too surprised to get a bill in the mail.
FS in Japan. Not cheap and not mine:
Wal MK3 FL 5st Used | eBay
The ad calls it a Mk 3, but it’s a Mk 2 to my eyes.
Wal MK3 FL 5st Used | eBay
The ad calls it a Mk 3, but it’s a Mk 2 to my eyes.
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
That seller on eBay (like many others) is trying to make a couple grand profit, the actual seller is the UNISOUND shop - looks like they've got it tagged for about $6,600 USD [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
As an eBay Associate, TalkBass may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
